Indigenous Events & Awards
The Aboriginal Affairs Award was established in 2003 as part of the Access, Equity and Human Rights Awards. This award will be given to a person(s) or organization whose volunteer efforts have made or are making a significant or ongoing contribution to the well-being and advancement of the Indigenous community in Toronto.
The City recognizes and celebrates a number of annual Indigenous events throughout the year.
Events 2019
Community Sharing Meeting - February 25, 2019
Come and share your ideas for the City of Toronto’s Indigenous Affairs Office.
The City’s Indigenous Affairs Office, established in 2018, will guide the work and relationships with First Nation, Inuit and Métis peoples who live and work in Toronto.
Everyone is welcome.
Monday, Feb. 25 at 6:30 p.m.
Native Canadian Centre of Toronto (NCCT is accessible)
16 Spadina Rd.
Refreshments will be served. TTC tokens are available.
Contact:
indigenous@toronto.ca
Indigenous Peoples Day - June 21
The Sunrise Ceremony will take place on Nathan Phillips Square at Toronto City Hall, 100 Queen St. West at 5:30 a.m. on June 21. Gather near the Indigenous Flags on the east side of Square. Indigenous Peoples Day honours the history, culture and achievements of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. All are welcome to attend this annual recognition of Indigenous Peoples Day.
About Indigenous Peoples Day (formerly National Aboriginal Day)
In 2009, June was declared National Aboriginal History Month, following the passing of a unanimous motion in the House of Commons. This provides an opportunity to recognize not only the historic contributions of Aboriginal peoples to the development of Canada, but also the strength of present-day Aboriginal communities and their promise for the future.
Every June, Canadians celebrate National Aboriginal History Month, which is an opportunity to honour the heritage, contributions and cultures of First Nation, Inuit and Métis communities across Canada. Canadians are also invited to celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21st each year.
Indigenous Arts Festival
The Indigenous Arts Festival is a series of artistic events showcasing the culture and talent of our indigenous peoples. Visitors can celebrate Indigenous and Métis culture in downtown Toronto enjoying traditional and contemporary music, educational programming, storytelling, dance, theatre, and food. The series of events will energize the grounds of this historic site with powerful ancient traditions and compelling contemporary creations by Indigenous artists.
The National Indigenous Peoples Day celebration at Fort York will provide an immersive experience with hands-on craft making, theatre performances, film and live music.
National Aboriginal Day at Fork York is produced by the City of Toronto in partnership with the Government of Canada.
Location: Fort York National Historic Site
250 Fort York Blvd., Toronto, ON M5V 3K9
Phone: 416-392-6907
Fax: 416-392-1150
Email: fortyork@toronto.ca
Free admission
Na-Me-Res Traditional Pow Wow
Na-Me-Res is the proud host of Toronto’s Annual Traditional Pow Wow in recognition of National Indigenous Peoples Day and the Summer Solstice. Every year, thousands of people attend the celebration to enjoy traditional food and watch over 100 drummers and dancers perform. Come explore the information booths, meet First Nations crafters and vendors, and participate in activities and giveaways.
June 23 (TBC)
Grand entry at noon
Location: Fort York National Historic Site
250 Fort York Blvd., Toronto, ON M5V 3K9
Free admission
Louis Riel Day
The City will proclaim November 16 Louis Riel Day in Toronto. City officials along with Indigenous leaders will raise the Métis flag on Toronto City Hall’s podium roof at 9 a.m. on November 16.
Louis Riel, a great advocate of justice for the Métis people and recognized as the founder of the province of Manitoba, was hanged on November 16, 1885. On November 16, Métis people and supporters across Canada celebrate Louis Riel’s vision for all Canadians. The City of Toronto honours Métis people at a flag raising for Louis Riel Day.
Wiphala
Wiphala is celebrated with a flag raising at City Hall in honour of the indigenous peoples of all the Andes who are residents in Toronto. This includes today’s Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador and parts of Argentina, Chile and Colombia.